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Scenic, slow-moving waterways crisscross Louisiana and Mississippi. These creeks, bayous and small rivers lend themselves to excellent canoeing. Paddlers are treated to shaded cypress bayous and open marshland. Birds, such as pelicans, egrets and bald eagles are common, as are alligators, otters and sometimes migrating manatees. Mild weather lends itself to great paddling, and there are many routes to choose. Rather than feel overwhelmed, paddlers will be well-served to choose spots that are easy to access from urban centers.

Jean Lafitte Preserve

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (nps.gov/jela) some of south Louisiana's pristine cypress swamp. Here, brilliant wild irises bloom in spring, the best time to paddle here. The park also comes with some interesting history: This is where pirate Jean Lafitte and his men hid as they poised for a surprise attack on the British in the War of 1812's Battle of New Orleans. For more adventure, paddle at night, when possums, flying squirrels and mink are most active.

Louisiana's Northshore

Louisiana's Northshore comprises the area north of Lake Pontchartrain, less than an hour from New Orleans. A handful of freshwater rivers and bayous run through the area and empty into big Lake Pontchartrain, where the water is usually calm enough to paddle, too. Paddlers can choose from Cane Bayou, where ancient Native American trash mounds of shells can still be spotted; Bayou Lacombe; the slow-moving Bogue Chiitto River; and the Tangipahoa River. Look out for manatees that migrate from Florida in summer and occasionally make their way from Lake Pontchartrain up the rivers.

Atchafalaya Basin

Louisiana's vast Atchafalaya Basin surrounds Cajun country west of New Orleans. The basin includes 595,000 acres of soggy hardwood swamp, with the Atchafalaya River cutting through the middle. Here, the placid swamp makes for easy canoeing, and wildlife like wild boar, deer and alligators abound. It's not uncommon to come across fishermen, duck hunters and even remote houseboats. Hurricane debris is also strewn throughout the wetlands, making for an even more interesting trip.

Black Creek Wilderness Trail

Black Creek Wilderness Trail covers more than 5,000 acres of protected waterways and surrounding forest near Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The trail protects 21 miles of Mississippi's only designated Wild and Scenic River. The scenery is much different here than in stereotypical southern swamps. Pine, maple and oak trees are more common than cypress, and the forest sits at a higher elevation than those further south; the banks can rise as high as 270 feet. Wide sandbars are common, perfect for docking a canoe and spending time swimming, sunbathing, picnicking or fishing.

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About the Author

Megan Hill is a Seattle-based writer with more than 10 years of experience. She has served as a writer and editor for websites and nonprofit organizations, as well as a reporter for magazines such as "Seattle Met," "Seattle Magazine" and "Edible Seattle."

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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